Housing and Dining FAQs

What housing accommodations are available?

We will be housed in West Village Dorm. A fairly new dorm, West Village is close to the Student Memorial Center, which will host the the Marketplace and other MAFA activities, and the dining hall.

There are two types of suites available this year:

Two single rooms sharing a bathroom

Two double rooms, each with its own bathroom. (Each double has two twin beds.)

There are also a limited number of private single rooms with private bathrooms.

This year each type of room will have a different cost. See the Registration pages for the details.

Can I get a single room?

You may request a single room that shares a bathroom with another attendee or a “private” room. These rooms will be filled on a first come, first served basis and have an added cost.

Can I designate a roommate or suite-mate?

Yes. You can put one or more names of those with whom you want to share a suite on your registration form.

Can a group/guild request to be assigned rooms near one another?

Yes. You can indicate the size of the group and the names on your registration form. There is no guarantee that we can accommodate all requests but we will make every attempt to do so.

What if I find a roommate after I have already registered?

If you save your registration with a password (or have your confirmation email), you will be able to access your registration form and add roommate (or other) information later. Any changes of this kind must be made before May 15, 2019.

What do I need to bring for the dorm room?

Beds are furnished with a blanket, pillow, sheets, and pillowcase. Two towels are provided. You may wish to bring an additional blanket and/or an extra-long twin fitted sheet or a sleeping bag since the mattresses are covered in plastic, and the flat sheets provided tend to slip.

Remember to bring soap, shampoo, drinking cups, hair dryers, clothes hangers, and a plastic or paper bag to use as a wastebasket. A small bedside lamp might also be useful. All rooms are non-smoking. Remember, these are empty dorm rooms.

If you want snacks to share with your suite-mates or guild-mates, you might want to bring those too. The rooms do NOT have refrigerators or microwaves, but these appliances can be found in the dorm kitchens.

I have a long drive. Can I arrive on Wednesday night? Or stay over on Sunday night?

You can arrive on Wednesday and pay an additional charge for the single night. The fee includes breakfast and lunch on Thursday. Just select this option on the registration form. Sunday night stays are usually not an option, but there are many hotels nearby. Prices can be found on the Registration page.

If you plan to arrive on Wednesday, please think about volunteering when you register. There are lots of ways to help on Thursday morning and afternoon.

Where do I go when I arrive on Thursday to register for the conference and to check-in for my room?

Your first stop after parking should be the conference registration desk which will be housed just inside the entrance to the Marketplace at the end of the Student Memorial Center that faces the parking lot. Here you will receive your name badge and goodie bag. Then you can proceed to the West Village Dorm , which is alongside the same parking lot, to check into your room and receive your room key and meal card.

I want to come for the day, but I live too far for a day trip. Can I stay over?

Yes. Guild members not taking classes, but who don’t want to drive home after a day of fiber activities may register for Friday and/or Saturday night stays. See Registration pages for room cost. No meals are included with this package, but they can be purchased individually for cash at the dining hall.

Pick up your key at the registration desk in the West Village Dorm, where all conference attendees are staying.

Is WiFi available on campus?

Yes, there is a WiFi network that covers the campus and dorm. When onsite, subscribe to the MU guest network with your email address.

Is there a gym where we can work out? Or a pool?

Unfortunately, our contract with the university does not include access to the fitness center. However, the campus is conducive to walking and running.

What is the food like?

The dining facility is a full-service, all-you-can eat dining hall. It provides two hot lines, a salad bar, pizza, burgers, sandwiches and vegetarian options. There is usually a bowl of fresh fruit at the end of the salad bar, and the University makes their own baked goods.

Why can’t I fill my Thermos or water bottle in the dining hall?

Health regulations prohibit filling reusable vessels at the cafeteria beverage dispensers. However, there are several water-bottle filling stations on campus for that purpose.

Is there coffee available all day?

There is a Starbucks in the library that will be open on Friday. (The library is across the street from the SMC.) MAFA will provide a coffee station in each dorm wing’s main lobby, beginning at 7 a.m. Friday through Sunday. Feel free to get an early morning coffee and/or to fill your coffee mug to take to class.

I need a special diet. Can you accommodate me?

Special dietary needs can be accommodated. Please note them on your registration form.

I plan to commute. Can I eat in the dining hall on campus with my friends?

You can purchase meals individually at the following cost:

Cost

Breakfast

$8.25

Lunch

$10.75

Dinner

$14.50

The dining hall is an all-you-can-eat facility so unfortunately those who bring their lunch or don’t choose to purchase the meal cannot enter the dining hall.